Single-step hydrothermal synthesis of Plantago major-based carbon dots: therapeutic and antimicrobial properties

In this study, Plantago major carbon dots were synthesized in a single step by hydrothermal synthesis method. Carbon dot synthesis using Plantago major precursor was performed for the first time and the synthesized carbon dots were not subjected to any modification. UV–Visible (UV–Vis) Spectroscopy, High-resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), fluorescence spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were performed to characterize carbon dots. The antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer, and wound-healing activities of carbon dots subjected to different purification processes (filtration, dialysis) were compared. Antioxidant activity of the carbon dots was evaluated by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method, antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) by disk diffusion method, and wound healing effect via in vitro scratch assay test. The anticancer activity of carbon dots against MCF-7 cells was evaluated. The filtered carbon dots exhibited antibacterial activity against S. aureus. In contrast, dialyzed carbon dots did not exhibit antibacterial activity against both S. aureus and E. coli. Filtered carbon dots exhibited excellent anticancer properties, while dialyzed carbon dots also exhibited an accelerating effect on wound healing. Purification methods of carbon dots affect the effectiveness of carbon dots. Carbon dots obtained from Plantago major are promising in the pharmaceutical sector with their wound-healing effect and anticancer properties in biomedical applications.